New Jersey is full of some really beautiful gems, even if we do get a bad rap. Just because you fly into Newark to get here, doesn’t mean all of NJ is smog ridden and stinks! We have amazing beaches, forests, farms and lush green spaces. We are the Garden State after all! I’ve come up with a list (in no specific order) of some of my favorite locations for family and maternity photography near me in Monmouth County and surrounding areas. I hope this serves as a helpful guide for you to choose a location for your family or maternity portraits!

1. Deep Cut Gardens in Middletown. I discovered this park when I was in high school studying photography and immediately fell in love. The best time to schedule photos here is during the Spring, Summer and Fall. It boasts beautiful native blooms throughout the seasons from daffodils, tulips and magnolia flowers in Spring, to roses in the Summer and daisies and mums in the Fall. There are several gardens to nestle into for stunning imagery of you and your growing belly or family as well as a greenhouse with vibrant, warm climate plants.

2. Holmdel Park in Holmdel. This park is rather large but with a little knowledge of the layout, you can find some really great places to create incredible family portraits. All around the lake are beautiful trees and greenery. In the Spring you can find some cherry blossoms and in the Summer the Willow trees hang low with their delicate branches and leaves. In the Fall all the Oaks and Maples show off their colorful foliage. The arboretum near the lake is full of blooms in the Spring as well and acts as a beautiful backdrop throughout Summer and Fall. I love Holmdel Park for families who need to schedule pictures earlier than the coveted sunset timeframe because there are so many trees and so much shade the sun gets filtered enough to photograph during the afternoon or late morning hours.

3. Thompson Park in Lincroft. I really love Thompson Park in the Fall because there is one trail that has large, healthy Maples that maintain their green/yellow leaves up until Thanksgiving time when most other trees have all but lost their leaves. Plus the light that filters through the tall grasses along the walking paths is to die for!

4. The Beach. Of course I have to mention the beach! While I find the beach a bit challenging to bring families with young children to, it’s still a top spot to have your family or maternity photos in New Jersey. I have been loving beaches along the bay in the Middletown area because the sun is setting almost over the water. It allows families to schedule their session a little before the golden hour if necessary because the sun can be positioned more behind you then directly at you with your back to the water. You can also find spots with grassy areas and rocks to add some dimension to the images. Sandy Hook is a fun place to go because you get both the bay and the ocean!

5. Sayen Gardens in Hamilton. This is a bit of a hike for me, but it is worth it! Similar to Deep Cut Gardens, Sayen Gardens has many, you guessed it, gardens to visit and immerse yourself in. It has bridges and a lake, fountains and arches. It’s a true gem of a spot.

Okay! This list is not extensive. I can come up with so many more locations but these are some of my top favorites for the beauty, lighting, colors and variety of looks you can get in one location. Don’t see a place that you love and would like to use for your session? Comment below!